Poems: Second Series (Dickinson)/I lived on dread; to those who know

by Emily Dickinson

 

XXVI.

 

I LIVED on dread; to those who know
The stimulus there is
In danger, other impetus
Is numb and vital-less.

As 't were a spur upon the soul,
A fear will urge it where
To go without the spectre's aid
Were challenging despair.